Cry Me a River.....

January 21, 2011

I don't mean to sound sarcastic by that title....only that my child has literally cried a river this week. She has whined and cried and cried and cried for a week now. At first I thought she just wasn't feeling well after being sick last week. Then, I thought it was just her being a two-year old. Then I was seriously concerned that something was wrong medically. So we took her to the doctor yesterday. $25, one cup of pee, a lollipop and sticker later and there is nothing wrong with her.

After being pulled out of a bible study at church last night for the first time since she was 3 months old because she was still crying after having dropped her off, I began to think this is an emotional stage she is going through (besides the general being a sinner part of it).

I think the combo of baby Shepherd coming and potty training is overloading her emotionally. Oh, and maybe the part of me being lazy about her routine. (Turns out I'm a sinner too).

Sooooo, starting today, I am working on being more disciplined with her routine especially focusing on her having independent play time and more focused time from me.

Any suggestions? Ideas? We've never really had to deal with separation anxiety with her before. Ideas, thoughts, suggestions gladly appreciated (especially from those of you who have added a new baby to a toddler's world).

****UPDATE******

So sometime this weekend, my sweet happy girl returned back to normal. I don't know if she just had a bad week, if immediately focusing on a routine helped jump her back to reality or what? Thankful.

3 comments

Well, it sounds like you have a great game plan and you're off to a running start. I can't say we've had much behavior changes since Addie came along. I think this is largely due to Rhett and Deacon having a friend with them at all times. That has NOTHING to do with my parenting skills, just God's showing Ryan and me grace. The best advice I can give you is to "let your yes be yes and your no be no." No big revelation there, but it's so much harder than it sounds. She'll learn her limits eventually. Also, don't say "Good-bye!" Say, "I'll see you right after _____." We bribe, too. Please don't tell me this is wrong ;)! For example, "R&D if we get a good report from your teacher you can watch 1 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse after school." That seems to work. We stick with the 1 show so 1. they don't watch too much t.v. and 2. to keep that magical moving picture box, well, magical. There's my novel for you. Like I said, there's nothing new here, but these are the things that work with the boys. Call if you need anything.

Hang in there Carrie. We all have those days, but before you realize it, they will be over!! I personally think it's just a stage and part of her age and growing up!(Although none of that helps during the days you're actually living through it!)

Brynne went through that stage, but don't worry - it was short! It did help us to preface each event with explaining to her exactly what was happening and that mommy and daddy would be right back; (ex: sunday school - we're going to church, you are going to play with your friends in mrs.X's class for 30 min, then we'll be right back to get you). Hang in there girl - you're not alone!